[tfitz237]

Because of HDMI-CEC. The dongle can control things on the TV via this technology. This product specifically has a remote that I believe only interacts via HDMI-CEC.

I don't know if it's possible for the HDMI-CEC to pass through a receiver to the TV itself for this purpose.

[cmelbye]

Yes, that’s a feature in many receivers. My older Chromecast turns on the receiver, sets the receiver input, and turns on the TV. I’m guessing this new one would work perfectly fine, too.